In a World Cup that has not lacked in surprises, the Round of 16 clash between Costa Rica, the winners – yes, winners! – of the dreaded Group D and Group C runner-up Greece may be the most surprising one yet. It’s certainly a pairing none of the famed soccer experts predicted.
This will be Costa Rica’s first trip to the knockout stage of the World Cup since 1990, while it will be Greece’s first time ever past the group stage. For sure, one of these two countries will make its maiden trip to the World Cup quarterfinals. Check out our other Round of 16 previews like Mexico vs. Netherlands, and read on to know which country continues its unexpected journey.
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Costa Rica vs. Greece, World Cup 2014, Round of 16 Betting Preview and Prediction
Costa Rica has produced perhaps the shock of the tournament thus far by coming out of Group D – a group featuring former champions in Italy, Uruguay and England – undefeated and on top. Los Ticos have had such unprecedented success thanks to the part of their game that helped get them to Brazil in the first place: defense.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The Costa Ricans conceded just seven goals in 10 games during CONCACAF qualifying, and through their three group games, they have conceded just once – from a penalty against Uruguay in their first game. Goalie Keylor Navas has been outstanding between the sticks, while their very organized team defense has so far overcome the individual talents of their opposition’s offenses.
They won’t face those sorts of threats against Greece, who don’t have particularly dangerous individuals in attack. In fact, Costa Rica may be thrust into the unfamiliar role of having to initiate the attack against a Greek team that is very willing to defend deep.
But as Los Ticos have shown so far, they also have a lot to offer going forward. Joel Campbell has been a revelation leading the line up front, Bryan Ruiz and Christian Bolanos have given consistent support from midfield and their wing-backs like to charge forward from wide areas. Even their central defenders have been threats with set piece opportunities.
Costa Rica’s forwards are also crucial in the team’s pressing, which was a major factor in their upset of Italy. The Costa Ricans can basically bypass the Greeks’ tough to crack defense by pressing hard and regaining possession of the ball in Greece’s half. If they succeed with this tactic, they should get some great scoring opportunities.
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Betting on Greece
Greece summoned some of that Euro 2004-winning spirit to knock out the Ivory Coast, 2-1, in their third and decisive group match. Giorgios Samaras earned and scored a penalty, only his ninth international goal in 77 appearances, late into stoppage time to see the Greeks through.
After going scoreless in their first two matches with very little attacking intent, the Greeks showed a greater sense of urgency with their World Cup lives on the line. Samaras, in particular, bounced back from two subpar games to do an outstanding job of leading the line and spearheading the team’s counterattacking scheme.
Now that head coach Fernando Santos has finally discovered a system with the personnel to keep the team’s trademark defensive solidity while offering more in attack, expect the Greeks to play a similarly positive way against the Costa Ricans.
Defensively, Greece’s famously resolute defense should stand tall against Costa Rica’s less-talented attackers, at least compared to the ones the Greeks faced against Japan and the Ivory Coast. They only conceded one goal in those two games after allowing three to Colombia in their first match.
Greece will receive a boost with captain Kostas Katsouranis back and available for selection after serving out his suspension. However, goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and attacking midfielder Panagiotis Kone were substituted off against the Ivory Coast due to injury and are doubtful to feature against Costa Rica.
Kone would be a big loss to the team’s attack, but his likely replacement, Andreas Samaris, scored the opening goal against the Ivory Coast.
Writer’s Prediction
Costa Rica’s pressing gives the Greeks a lot of problems, enough to snatch a vital goal. Navas and their defense preserve the slim advantage as Costa Rica (+153) comes away with the win.
